The Bible has a great deal to say about pride and the proud, most of it not very good. As we are currently surrounded by an ungodly assault and relentless boasting of sinful pride, I thought it would be encouraging to look at what the Bible says about the humble and humility.

In the Holy Scriptures, God praises the humble. Humility is clearly valued by the Lord. As you read through these verses, look for:

• the characteristics humility is grouped with in a positive way
• the negative characteristics humility is contrasted with
• the fruits of humility
• the rewards God will give to the humble

I hope you find these a refreshing breath of truth and godliness as you spend time meditating on them and praying. If you want to journal your thoughts, you can download these free journal pages I made or use some of the pretty ones in my shop.

All Scripture is from the Berean Study Bible unless otherwise noted.

Humble In Proverbs

When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 18:12

The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4

A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23

Humble In The Old Testament

…and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.
Psalm 25:8-9

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.
Psalm 149:4 (NKJV)

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

Humble In The New Testament

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:29

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12

I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:14

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:8

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3:13

But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
James 4:10

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
1 Peter 3:8

Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
1 Peter 5:6

Berean Standard Bible